William Hanley Mahaney (1844 - abt. 1944)

Born 8 Jul 1844 in Pennsylvania, USA

Ancestors

Died about Apr 1944 at about age 99 in California, Washington County, Pennsylvania, USA

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Biography

From the Brownsville Telegraph - July 1941

One of the oldest surviving Civil War veterans has observed his 97th birthday in California, Pa. William H. Mahaney quietly celebrated his birthday at his current residence, the Third Street home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Duff. Mahaney, whose nickname is "Burgie," saw action throughout the Civil War as a member of Company C, 85th Pennsylvania, and is believed to be the oldest surviving member of the 85th Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, William Mahaney of Virginia, was killed in the Battle of Brandywine in the American Revolution; his grandfather fought in the War of 1812, and his father saw action in the Mexican War.

From the Brownsville Telegraph - April 1944

The district’s last surviving Civil War veteran has died.

William Hanley Mahaney passed away at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Duff of Third Street, California, where he had made his home for many years.

The former burgess of California would have been 100 years old on July 8.

Mr. Mahaney joined the Union Army in 1861 at the age of 17, and he fought in 20 Civil War engagements without suffering any major wound or injury.

He was a member of Company C, 85th Pennsylvania Infantry, and was discharged in November 1864.

Surviving are three daughters: Mrs. Duff, with whom he resided; Mrs. White Britton, West Brownsville; and Mrs. Bruce Crock, Jerome.

Sources

• Archives of the Brownsville Telegraph

Source for Photograph of William Hanley Mahaney Observer Reporter: https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/captured-on-film/article_151ed26f-d6ed-55f7-950c-bd28dea978bf.html